Dusk is one of the most dangerous times to drive, particularly in rural areas or on highways. The fading light at dusk means drivers have to deal with significantly reduced visibility, and we also tend to feel more tired as night approaches. You’re more likely to encounter a drunk driver on the road after sunset, and dusk is also the time when animals prowl around. More accidents occur at night than during the day, so what can you do to protect yourself? Here are our top tips for driving safely at dusk.
Avoid glare
Glare can make it seriously hard to see, so try to minimise exposing your eyes to any unnecessary lights while you’re driving. Dim your dashboard lights so they’re not shining in your eyes, and try not to stare into oncoming lights. If another driver approaches you with their high beams turned on, or their headlights are simply right at your eye level, the glare of the lights might dazzle you. If this occurs, divert your gaze to the site and use the lane markers or median strip as a guide. If a car behind you has its high beams on, tilt your rearview mirror to reflect the light backwards. If you’re driving in a particularly dark area, you can turn your high beams on to see better, but make sure you turn them off if another car is approaching so you don’t blind the other driver.
Beware of animals
If you’re driving along country roads, you’ll need to keep an eye out for animals. If an animal does wander on to the road, often the first sign you’ll see is the reflection of your headlights in their eyes. So keep an eye out for pairs of bright spots in the distance and slow down accordingly.
Check your headlights
As the sun sets, there’s less light available for you to see potential hazards, so keeping your car’s headlights in good condition is extremely important. Before you get behind the wheel, make sure both your headlights work. If one light needs replacing, replace both at the same time, as having one that’s brighter than the other can be distracting. You should also keep the lenses of your headlights clean. Dirt, dead bugs and other grime can build up over time and limit the amount of light your headlights are able to emit. As well as headlights, check that both your brake lights are working – these provide important warnings to other drivers when you’re slowing down.
Stay alert while driving at dusk
Our bodies naturally run on a circadian rhythm, regulating our daily processes and responses. Two of the major “ebbs” in the circadian cycle occur in the early morning and in the afternoon, so dusk is a time when we naturally begin to feel tired. You can help yourself stay alert while driving at dusk by avoiding alcohol and making sure you’re adequately rested. Never take medication that might make you drowsy, and be mindful of what you eat (foods that are high in carbohydrates might make you sleepy!) Finally, put down your mobile phone – and ignore it while you’re behind the wheel.
Look after your windscreen
Keeping your windscreen clean will help you see better while driving at dusk. During the day, we often touch the inside of the windscreen and leave small smears on the glass. At night, these smears can create glare and hinder visibility. To give your windscreen a proper clean inside, polish the glass with newspaper to remove any streaks or residue. You can also keep a microfibre cloth in your glove box to wipe away any small smears that pop up during the day. If any chips or small cracks appear in your windscreen, you should get them fixed before they spread and become irreparable.
Autoscreens is a family-run business providing windscreen repair and windscreen replacement services in Perth. They operate 7 days a week, offering mobile repair services, a lifetime warranty on windscreens, and extremely competitive pricing. For a free quote, call their 24 hour hotline on 0400 200 086 or visit Autoscreens to find out more.
Jason Squire started Autoscreens in 2010. With over 35 years of experience gained in both the UK and Australia, the company is well established as a leading provider of windscreen replacement and autoglass repairs in Perth.
His journey to becoming a certified repairer license holder status with DMIRS (and business repair license MRB3703) began many years ago. He was born and brought up in the UK – the country where his long career in the automotive industry began. In common with many of the world’s best tradespeople it all started with an apprenticeship. For Jason, this was in vehicle bodybuilding and a specialisation in vehicle conversions.
He followed that up with several additional professional qualifications, including a Grade A Vehicle Body Building Certificate from the Road Transport Industry, a GQA level 2 in NVQ Automotive Glazing and a Level 2 qualification in Joining Materials by Welding from the UK Engineer Training Authority.
During his studies, Jason was also a part-time volunteer in the Royals signals with the Reserve Territorial Army. Between 1991 and 1995, Jason completed his Phase One Signallers Course with the Royal Armoured Corps and was awarded a Certificate of Trade Proficiency as a Territorial Army Driver Electrician Class 3. Training exercises took him all over Europe. He also represented the Signals in Rugby.
From there, he joined the armed forces on a full-time basis with the Queens Royal Lancers and continued to impress with his leadership skills and willingness to broaden his skillset, during which he lived in Germany. In 1996, he graduated from the Queens Royal Lancer Leadership Academy where he was named best recruit. His time with the Queens Royal Lancers he qualified as Tank Driver, Crew Medic and Gunner.
In 1999, Jason left the armed forces to join RAC Auto Windscreens. His skillset enabled him to fast-track his career to base supervisor and lead technician working with premiere dealerships in Crewe, Cheshire.
He also continued to volunteer in a number of different areas, including as a first responder with the West Midlands Ambulance Service and a scout leader with the Scout Association.
He relocated to Australia in 2008 with his young family and spent his first two years down under as a head technician for a national windscreen company.
However, with all his experience, extensive qualifications and his abiding passion for the automotive industry, it was inevitable that he would start his own company and make his mark as an industry leader.
He started Autoscreens in 2010 and has grown the business into the leading windscreen repair and replacement company in Perth, servicing both domestic and commercial customers. Autoscreens has a certified Motor Vehicle Repairers Licence MRB3703 issued by the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
